ChatGPT with ads: why I'm dropping my AI assistant

This week OpenAI announced it is starting to test ads in the free version of ChatGPT. For many users, me included, this was a turning point. I have used ChatGPT for three years as a reliable assistant, but it now seems time to say goodbye.

The ads themselves are only a symptom of a more serious problem. OpenAI, like any commercial organization, aims to maximize profit. Introducing ads is a logical step in that direction. But it pushes users who are unwilling or unable to pay for a subscription into second place. In effect, the company is making users pay to avoid intrusive ads and keep the level of comfort they are used to.

The core of the problem is a change in priorities. ChatGPT was originally positioned as a tool meant to help users solve tasks, find information and generate content. Now, with ads, it is becoming a platform for promoting goods and services. That means its algorithms will be optimized not only to deliver relevant answers, but also to show the most effective ads. The line between useful information and advertising content will blur, which will inevitably affect the quality of the user experience.

Ads in ChatGPT are part of a broader trend in artificial intelligence. Companies that build AI models are looking for ways to monetize their work. Subscriptions, advertising, data sales: all of these methods are used to make money. However, we should remember that artificial intelligence must serve the interests of society, not only those of shareholders. It is important to find a balance between commercial gain and social responsibility.

For users, this means they need to evaluate the information they get from ChatGPT more critically. Ads can influence search results and generated content, so it is important to understand that AI is not always an impartial source of information. It may be worth considering alternative AI services that do not use ads or that offer more transparent terms of use.

Ultimately, the decision to quit ChatGPT is a personal choice. Still, it reflects growing concern about how commercialization affects the development of artificial intelligence. It is important that developers of AI models listen to users and take their interests into account when deciding how to monetize their products. Otherwise, we risk losing trust in AI and turning it into a tool of manipulation and control.

The future of ChatGPT and other AI services aimed at mass-market users depends largely on how well they can balance commercial interests with user needs. Otherwise, users will look for alternatives that offer more transparent and honest terms of use.